June 7, 2020 00:51

Saskatchewan Files Factum In Alberta Carbon Tax Reference Case

Saskatchewan has filed its factum in support of Alberta’s challenge to the constitutionality of the federal government’s carbon tax. The challenge is set to be heard by the Alberta Court of Appeal in Edmonton from December 16 to 18 of this year.

“Saskatchewan stands with Alberta and the hardworking people in the natural resources sector in opposition to the federal carbon tax,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “The carbon tax is a dramatic and unconstitutional overreach that ultimately tips the balance of power in Canada toward the federal government.”

Saskatchewan maintains the position that federal legislation that singles out specific provinces for special treatment with respect to matters that fall under their jurisdiction violates the principles of federalism.

“The carbon tax legislation singles out provinces for special treatment based on decisions we have made that clearly fall under our own jurisdiction,” Morgan said. “And a tax that applies to some provinces and not others is blatantly unconstitutional.”

Saskatchewan is currently appealing a decision on the carbon tax made by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. This appeal is set to take place on March 17 and 18 next year.

Half of the provinces in Canada are currently challenging the federal carbon tax.